Tape reel cover assembly with three-position integral hinge mechanism

ABSTRACT

A protective reel cover assembly has a three-position, toggle action, unitary hinge interconnecting the split end portions of a closure ring for a magnetic tape reel cartridge of the type adapted to be mounted for rotation on a tape deck. The hinge body is comprised of three parts hingedly interconnected and being movable to positively lock the cover in a closed position for storage of the cartridge and either one of two open positions in which the cover is expanded to a sufficient extent either to permit independent rotation of the tape reel cartridge or to permit removal or replacement of the tape reel. The cover comprises inner and outer closure ring portions with the inner ring portion snap-fit within the outer ring portion to define an air chamber for the controlled delivery of air to release the leading end of the tape from the tape reel for removal through the cover.

United States Patent TAPE REEL COVER ASSEMBLY WITH THREE POSITION INTEGRAL HINGE MECHANISM 15 Claims, 10 Drawing Figs.

U.S. Cl 242/197, 206/52 F Int. Cl GI lb 23/02, G1 lb 15/66 Field of Search 242/197,

198,199, 200, 71.1, 209, 210; 206/52 F, 59 E; 220/55 0, 55 T; 285/273, 283

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,461,029 7/1923 Doty 206/59 E 3,37 l ,882 3/1968 Orlando et al. 242/209 Primary Examiner-George F. Mautz Attorney-Reilly and Lewis ABSTRACT: A protective reel cover assembly has a threeposition, toggle action, unitary hinge interconnecting the split end portions of a closure ring for a magnetic tape reel cartridge of the type adapted to be mounted for rotation on a tape deck. The hinge body is comprised of three parts hingedly interconnected and being movable to positively lock the cover in a closed position for storage of the cartridge and either one of two open positions in which the cover is expanded to a sufficient extent either to permit independent rotation of the tape reel cartridge or to permit removal or replacement of the tape reel. The cover comprises inner and outer closure ring portions with the inner ring portion snap-fit within the outer ring portion to define an air chamber for the controlled delivery of air to release the leading end of the tape from the tape reel for removal through the cover.

PATENTEDunv 16 1911 3 620' 478 SHEEI 1 0F 4 as as i 1. I mvsmons I memo J. FIIZGERAL,

- RONALD a, JACO i l mum Jv RUEGER 1 1 av ATTORNEYS PATENTEDnuv 1s nan SHEET 2 [IF 4 FIG. 3

TAPE REEL COVER ASSEMBLY WITH THREE- POSII'ION INTEGRAL HINGE MECHANISM This invention relates to novel and improved tape-handling and storage apparatus and more particularly relates to a selectively expansible, protective cover for a tape reel which greatly facilitates the storage and handling of magnetic tape on the reel.

It is customary to employ a protective reel cover for magnetic tape is designed to surround and enclose the outer periphery of the tape reel so as to prevent the entry of dust or other foreign mater when the tape is stored; and the cover can be left on the tape reel when the reel is mounted on a tape deck or the like simply the expansion of the cover and selective removal of the leading end of the tape. For example, the patent to Orlando et al. for TOGGLE LATCHING REEL COVER WITH A SLIDING DOOR, U.S. Pat. No. 3,37l,882, and assigned to the assignee of the instant application, sets forth and describes a protective reel cover which can be left mounted on the reel when in use and which further incorporates a toggle-type latching mechanism to lock the reel cover in a closed, sealing position on the reel and can be selectively released for expansion of the cover. It is proposed to greatly simplify the construction of reel covers of the type set forth and described in the above-mentioned patent coupled with more positive, reliable opening and closing of the reel cover whether manually or by machine.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide for a novel and improved protective reel cover for magnetic ta e reels and the like which is comprised of a minimum number of parts and requires a minimum number of steps and special operations in assembly.

lt is another object of the present invention to provide for a novel and improved expansible reel cover assembly for circumferentially enclosing a magnetic tape wound upon a tape reel and specifically wherein the cover is adapted to enclose a tape when stored on the tape supply reel, to permit mounting of the tape reel on a machine without removal of the cover, and to cooperate in removal and threading of the tape from its reel as well as to permit ease of removal or replacement of the tape reel on the machine without removal of the cover.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide in a protective tape reel cover assembly for a self-sealing closure in which an air chamber is famed between snap-fitting inner and outer ring portions defining the closure, the inner ring portion also serving to close the tape removal passage when the cover is in a closed position and automatically to open the passage when the cover is mounted on a machine and expanded.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide in a tape reel cover assembly for a novel and improved hinge mechanism having a one-piece unitary hinge member which is selectively movable to effect positive movement of the cover between a closed position and either one of two open positions in a dependable, highly efficient manner.

In accordance with the present invention, a preferred form of reel cover assembly is adapted to enclose and seal the peripheral edges of spaced-apart flanges on a magnetic tape reel cartridge. For this purpose the reel cover assembly includes inner and outer, split closure ring portions snap-fit together so as to form an air chamber therebetween. The inner ring also cooperates with the outer ring in retaining resilient pads against the inner surface of the closure ring to yieldingly engage the outer peripheral edges of the flange with the inner ring portion disposed in the space between the flanges. A three-position, toggle action hinge mechanism is characterized by incorporating a unitary hinge member which will positively lock the cover in three specific positions; namely, a closed position in which the reel is securely maintained in a fixed position within the cover for storage purposes, a machine open position which will permit the tape and tape reel to rotate or otherwise be operated upon while contained within the cover assembly, and a full open position which will permit ready removal or replacement of the reel independently of the cover assembly.

The foregoing and other objects, advantages. and features of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. I is a front elevational view illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention in mounted disposition on tape deck and with the protective reel cover assembly shown in a closed position;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the preferred form of the present invention shown in the machine open position;

FIG. 3 is an end view partially in section of the preferred form;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, sectional view taken along lines 5-5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a somewhat fragmentary perspective view, enlarged, of one section of the reel cover assembly with the hinge mechanism shown in the machine open" position;

FIG. 7 is an elevational view in detail of the hinge mechanism of the preferred form shown in the closed position;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary view, partially in section, showing the hinge mechanism in the closed position;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 and showing the hinge mechanism in the machine open" position; and

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIGS. 8 and 9, but showing the preferred form of hinge mechanism in the full open position.

Referring in detail to the drawings, there is illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 a preferred form of protective reel cover assembly 10 for a magnetic tape reel I2 which is conventionally of the type provided with a central hub-receiving portion 13 and spaced annular flanges I4 with the magnetic tape being spirally wound upon the reel. Essentially, the reel cover assembly I0 is comprised of an annular cover defined by an outer, channel-shaped ring portion 15 having split ends 16 and 17, an inner ring 18 secured in snap-fit relation to the inner surface of the outer ring portion 15, except for an extension 19 of the inner ring 18 which bridges the split ends 16 and I7, and is slidable along the inner surface of the ring 15. A unitary hinge mechanism 20 is pivotally connected to the external surface of the outer ring 15 for extension across the split ends I6 and 17 to control movement of the rings between a retracted or closed position, as shown in FIG. 8, and either one of two open positions, as shown in FIGS. 9 and I0.

Considering in more detail the construction and arrangement of the cover or closure rings, the outer ring portion I5 is generally channel-shaped, being U-shaped in cross section, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, having an outer wall 24, a front sidewall 25 of limited extent, and a rear sidewall 26, both sidewalls 25 and 26 projecting radially in an inward direction from the outer wall 24. As best seen from FIGS. 2, 3 and 8 to 10, the rear sidewall 26 is provided at circumferentially spaced intervals with inwardly directed fingers 27, and the outer wall 24 is provided with transversely extending, locating ribs 28 and an exit window or passage 29 for removal of the leading end of the tape on the reel in a manner to be described. Save for that section of the outer ring extending from the split end 16 to the exit passage 19, the inner surface of the outer wall 24 is provided with pairs of inwardly pro jecting, circumferentially extending ribs or flanges 30 and 31 ar ranged symmetrically about the center of the wall and each pair forming therebetween a circumferential slot 32 so as to define a female section for snap-fitting connection of the inner ring 18. The relatively thin inner flange or rib 30 is of uniform cross section; however, the relatively thick outer flanges are each tapered, as at 31, at their inner free ends and each is correspondingly provided with a lateral groove 33 extending along their outer surfaces. Moreover, the outer flanges 31 are flanked by outer positioning ribs 34 which are interrupted at spaced intervals by pad-receiving recesses 35 for insertion of resilient pads 36 to yieldingly engage the outer peripheral edges of the reel flanges.

The inner ring portion l8 defines the male section for snapfitting connection to the inner surface of wall 24 of the outer ring. To this end, the inner ring has a relatively broad, flat wall section 38 and, when viewed in FIG. 5, it will pairs seen that the ring is provided with upwardly extending pairs of circumferentially extending ribs or flanges 40 and 41 on opposite sides of the wall 38, the inner vertically extending flanges 40 being dimensioned for insertion in the slots 32, and the outer flanges 41 inclining at an angle corresponding to the taper of the free ends 31' of the flanges 31 and terminating in extremities 42 which are provided with lateral snaps or enlargements 43 for insertion in the grooves 33 on the outsides of the flanges 31. Here, the snaps 43 along the inner surfaces of the extremities 42 are located such that their centerlines are offset with respect to the centerlines of the grooves 33 when the ribs 41 are abutting the inner surface of the wall 24, and, accordingly, the snaps are seated partially within the groove and snugly against the lower sides of the grooves so as to establish an unstable condition; that is, the snaps will never fully sent within the grooves which is the disposition that the somewhat flexible material will seek to attain. in this way, a much snugger fit and a firmer seal is effected, notwithstanding slight dimensional variations or the presence of particles due to any rubbing action between the inner and outer rings; and, of course, the snug fit between the snaps 43 and grooves 33 will minimize exposure to material relaxation or creep. Moreover, the inner pair of ribs 40 are dimensioned such that the interface between the ribs 40 and 30 is an interference fit which, combined with the snap-fit connection between the outer mating ribs and the slight space or gap 44 between the ribs 40-41 and the rib 3], will form an air seal within the central air chamber or pocket 45 between the male and female sections. it will be evident that the male and female sections may either be continuous or intermittent across the areas to be jointed together; namely, along that section of the closure ring between the split end portion 17 and in a clockwise direction, when viewed in FIG. 2, the edge of the exit passage 29.

While the resilient pads 36 may be press-fit or adhesively secured within the recesses 35, it is further advantageous to provide for tabs 47 in the form of spaced lateral extensions at the upper extremities of the outer ribs 41 of the inner ring and which, as best seen from FIGS. 3 and 8, project across opposite ends of each of the pads 36 to firmly wedge the pads in place within the recesses 35. In this relation, the tabs 47 will exert some pressure tending to compress the pads within the recesses with the intermediate portion of each pad being free to expand somewhat so as to extend beyond the inner surfaces of the pads for engagement with the peripheral edges of the reel flanges.

As further seen from FIGS. 2-4, the inner ring is provided with a circumferential extension 19 running from the free end portion 17 of the outer ring to the edge of the exit passage 29 nearest the end portion l6. This extension or nose of the inner ring portion forms the terminal end of the air chamber which is self-contained and freely slidable with respect to the inner surface of the outer ring along that section between the exit passage and free end 16, As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4, the extension 19 includes an outer, relatively thin flat plate 50 which is bonded to the inner surface of the outer ring at the split end portion 17 and extends medially along the inner surface of the wall 24 of the outer ring together with an inner, relatively thick, three-sided section Section 51 includes a pair of sidewalls 52 joined by a center wall 53, and the walls 52 abut the inner surface of the plate and are aligned between lips 50' running along opposite sides of the plast 50. The flat terminal ends of the walls 52 are bonded to the inner surface of the plate 50 so as to define therewith a central air chamber 45' which is a continuation of the air chamber 45 formed between the inner and outer ring portions. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the nose portion 19 of the inner ring is provided with an air baffle 54 extending transversely of the central air chamber and in spaced relation ahead of the terminal end 55 of the nose.

Referring again to H0. 6, a pin 56 projects from the outer surface of the inner ring and is provided with a button-shaped head 57 so that in assembly the head 57 is inserted through a circular opening 58 at the end of slot 59 in the wall 24 of the outer ring and the pin 56 is constrained to ride through the slot so as to physically retain the nose portion of the inner ring centrally in proximity to the outer ring. In a manner to be hereinafter described in more detail, the hinge mechanism 20 will, upon subsequent assembly, limit the sliding movement of the pin 56 with respect to the slot so as to prevent expansion to a degree that would permit the head 57 subsequently to slip through the circular opening 58.

The end portion 55 of the nose is inclined or tapered to serve as a guide for threading of the tape through the exit passage 29. The end of the air chamber terminating at the edge of the exit passage opposite the terminal end 55 of the nose i9 is similarly inclined or tapered, as generally designated at 60, in a direction to cooperate with the terminal end 55 in forming an outwardly convergent passage for movement of the tape from the reel flange through the cover for reading or playback purposes. In a conventional manner, air inlet holes 61 are provided through wall 24 of the outer ring for introduction of air by suitable means, not shown, into the air chamber 45 that is formed between the inner and outer rings, and exit jets 62 are provided at spaced intervals along the inner wall 38 of the inner ring, particularly along the nose portion 19. The jets 62 are slanted or inclined in a direction away from the exit 29 so as to tend to flatten or press down the outer surface of the tape, except for a jet 63 disposed immediately adjacent to the terminal end 55 of the nose and which is slanted or inclined in an opposite direction toward the exit passage to force air against the leading edge of the tape in order to peel it off and guide it out of the exit passage 29 formed between the terminal ends 55 and 60.

The preferred form of hinge mechanism 20, as best seen from FIGS. 2 and 6-10, includes an upright pivot post projecting outwardly from the external surface of the outer ring on the free end portion 16, a second pivot post 8! projecting outwardly, but inclining forwardly toward the post 80, from the external surface of the outer ring and spaced relatively away from the free end portion 17, and a unitary three-part hinge member 82 pivotally mounted on the posts 80 and 81 and extending therebetween. The hinge member 82 includes a toggle action lever 83 pivotal about the post 80, a follower 84 pivotal on the post 81, and an intermediate floating link 85 hinged at opposite ends to the lever 83 and follower B4. The lever 83 is of generally open, rectangular configuration and has a relatively wide plate portion 86, end wall 87, and opposite sidewall: 88, the latter extending forwardly beyond the end of the plate 86 opposite the end wall 87 and provided with openings to receive pivot pins 89 projecting laterally from opposite sides of the pivot post 80. Wing portions 90 form integral extensions of the sidewalls B8 and, in the closed position shown in FIG. 8, it will be seen that each wing 90 is provided with an upper flat surface 91 and a curved end surface 92 and with the surfaces 91 extending is spaced relation beneath the upper surface of the plate 86 and forwardly beyond the pivot point at the forward ends of the sidewalls 88.

Similarly, the follower part 84, while being of a lesser length than that of the lever 83, is of open. generally rectangular configuration having an upper plate surface 93, end wall 94, and opposite sidewalls 95 provided with openings for reception of oppositely directed pivot pins 96 on the post 81. It will be observed that the plate 93 is recessed as at 98 to afford a clearance space for the upper extremity of the post 81, and the opposite sidewalls 95 converge forwardly to terminate in a relatively snub-nosed end portion 99 which is hinged to the interconnecting link portion 85. The interconnecting link 85 is relatively thin and flat with a plate portion 100 and sidewalls llll projecting beyond the plate 100 in a direction toward the lever to form a relatively broad recessed area I02 to accommodate the leading end of the plate 86 on the lever. The sidewalls 10] rest on the upper edges 91 of the wings 90 when in the closed position, as shown in FIG. 8, and walls 101 further taper forwardly into a thinned section 104 which defines a hinged connection with the lever portion, or bending line, at a point intermediately between the pivot point and the end wall 87. In a similar manner, the plate 100 and sidewalls 101 converge at their opposite ends toward the follower portion terminating in a thinned section 105 joined to the leading extremity of the follower 84. Although the hinge parts 83, 84, and 85 may be individually constructed and hinged together, the hinge lends itself well to construction as a unitary or integral member out of a plastic material, such as polypropylene, with living hinges or bending lines formed at the thinned sections 104 and 105 joining the connecting link 85 with the lever 83 and follower 84. The unitary hinge member is then mounted on the pivot posts 80 and 8! by alignment of the openings in the sidewalls of the lever and follower parts with corresponding openings at the upper free ends of the pivot posts 80 and 8] to receive the pivot pins 89 and 96, respectively.

Referring to FIGS. 8-"), the closed position of the hinge mechanism is illustrated in FIG. 8 with the lever and follower parts essentially resting on, and coplanar with, the external surface of the outer ring. In turn, the link member 85 extends along the upper edges 91 of the wings 90 and the link is substantially flush with the upper plate surface of the lever 83. To normally retain the mechanism in its closed position, protuberances [08 are provided in the sidewalls of the lever for insertion in shallow depressions 109 on the sidewalls of the link, one of which is shown in FIG. 2. The cover assembly is advanced to an expanded position, as shown in FIG. 9, by lifting the lever and pivoting it toward the follower into an inverted position whereupon the leading hinged end of the follower part 84 is caused to be rotated or pivoted away from the lever and against its pivot post 81. Effectively, the lever is pivoted to an inverted position with the hinged end of the follower moving against the inclined surface of its pivot post 81 in order to limit further opening movement of the hinge mechanism. At the same time, the terminal end 55 of the nose l9 will be withdrawn to open the passage 29 for removal of the tape.

Further opening movement of the hinge mechanism can be accomplished as shown in FIG. 10 by retaining the lever in its upside down position away from its pivot post 80 and positively rotating the follower 84 in a direction toward its initial disposition, thereby causing further separation between the free end portions 16 and 17 and further resultant expansion of the cover.

While the foregoing may be accomplished manually in the manner described, the same may be accomplished through suitable latch-opening mechanism provided on a tape deck, for example, as broadly illustrated in FIG. 1. In FIG. I, the reel cover assembly, including the tape reel 12, is represented as being mounted on a tape deck which, in a well-known manner, is provided with a reel hub 110. An outer circumferential aligning pad member 11] is provided with a notch 112 to receive one of the locating ribs 28 on the cover, and a tape guide 113 is similarly provided with a notch 114 to receive another one of the outstanding ribs 28 on the reel cover. The notched retention member and tape guide serve to properly orient the tape reel cartridge with respect to the machine for passage of the leading end of the magnetic tape outwardly through the exit 29 and through a threading channel formed between the tape guide H3 and a suitable bearing 115 at the end of another aligning pad 115. Also, a latch-opening mechanism 116 is aligned for engagement with the hinge mechanism and is provided with a pin represented at 118 which is inserted in a slot [20 in one sidewall 88 of the lever 83 of the unitary hinge member. The pin H8 is movable in a circular direction through the latch-opening mechanism to cause outward pivoting movement of the lever from the closed position, shown in FIG. 8, to the "machine open position, shown in FIG. 9, and will retain the lever in that position. It may be desired to further advance the hinge mechanism to the full open position, shown in FIG. it), which usually would be done when the cartridge has been removed from the machine. In this connection, the end wall 94 of the follower part 84 is slightly depressed to facilitate manipulation by the operator so that the operator may advance the follower to the full open position merely by pressing downwardly on the end wall 94.

In use, the reel cover assembly, including the tape reel, is locked to the tape hub [10 with the locating ribs 28 inserted into the notches on the retention members and tape guide, as described, and the pin on the latch-opening mechanism inserted in the opening 120 provided in the lever part 83 of the hinge mechanism. In this way, the magnetic tape is enclosed and sealed against the entry of dust or other foreign matter in its placement on the machine. The latch-opening mechanism 1 16 is then activated to advance the lever 83 to the "machine open" position shown in FIG. 9, so as to expand the cover assembly and release the reel for rotation independently of the cover, but at the same time the cover will loosely surround the peripheral edges of the reel. As the reel is rotated, air is introduced from a supply source, not shown, through the air inlet 61 into the air chamber formed between the inner and outer closure rings to press down the tape, except at its leading edge, which is peeled off by the air jet 63 and guided outwardly through the exit passage 29 into the threading channel fonned between the tape guide 113 and bearing "5.

In the event that it is necessary or desirable either to remove or replace the tape reel without removal of the cover assembly and the machine is adapted to accommodate additional cartridge movement, the follower 84 is manipulated to advance the hinge mechanism to the full open position, shown in FIG. 10, which will cause the outer ring to expand a sufficient extent to permit the reel to be released from the reel hub III] independently of the cover. Another tape reel may be placed on the tape reel hub and the cover assembly returned either to the "machine open" position for continued operation or to the closed position.

It will be seen from the foregoing that the snap fit and selfsealing arrangement between the inner and outer ring portions eliminates a number of bonding operations and materially reduces the material and time-consuming assembly steps required. The utilization of resilient pads positively retained at spaced intervals within recesses formed along the inner surface of the outer closure ring has been found to be far preferable to the use of continuous bands which are more susceptible to creep and misalignment. In turn, the three-position, toggle action integral hinge mechanism also eliminates time-consuming assembly and bonding steps and permits positive movement automatically or manually into any selected one of the three stable positions described. Accordingly, the cover assembly is capable of containing the tape supply reels both during storage and during machine operation, and further will effect the automatic extraction of the leading end of the tape from the cartridge and permit easy removal of a tape reel for machine operation without the cartridge or for replacement by another cartridge. Of course, the hinge mechanism as well as the particular snap-fitting relation established between the male and female sections has utility independently of one another in the same or other applications of use. Preferably, the reel cover assembly is composed of a high-impact plastic of thermoplastic material having limited flexibility which will permit expansion under the spreading force of the hinge mechanism. As stated, the hinge mechanism and specifically the unitary hinge member is preferably composed of a polypropylene which can be formed into the unitary hinge sections joining the parts of the hinge member as described and is capable of withstanding repeated flexing. If desired, the hinge sections may be biased in a particular direction; for example, the hinge section 104 may normally be biased to urge the lever in a direction advancing it to the machine open position once the lever has passed center, and the follower hinge section 105 may be biased to a direction normally urging the follower into the machine open position and, similarly, the follower hinge section 105 may be biased to normally urge the follower toward the "machine open" position shown in FIG. 9.

Of course, other modifications and changes will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are entirely within the scope of the present invention.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred and alternate embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

l. in a tape reel cartridge having a tape supply reel provided with spaced apart flanges and the reel adapted to be mounted for rotation to a tape deck and the like, a protective cover assembly for said tape supply reel comprising an outer, expansible split ring member disposed in surrounding relation to the outer peripheral edges of the flanges on said tape supply reel and enclosing the space between said flanges, said outer expansible ring provided with an exit passage for the tape on said reel and terminating in split end portions,

an inner split ring member, secured to the inside of said outer ring, said inner and outer ring members having complementary, circumferentially extending male and female portions snap-fit together to form a common circumferentially extending air chamber between said inner and outer ring members for the controlled delivery of air through spaced air exit openings in said inner ring, and

a hinge mechanism including a unitary hinge member pivotally connected to said split end portions and extending therebetween, said hinge member being movable between a closed position retaining said split end portions in abutting relation to one another with said reel cover assembly disposed in closely surrounding relation to said tape supply reel and an open position in which said hinge member exerts a spreading force separating said split end portions and causing said reel cover assembly to undergo limited expansion to a position loosely surrounding said tape reel.

2. In a tape reel cartridge according to claim I, said inner ring including a circumferential continuation of the air chamber formed between said inner and outer rings, the continuation of said inner ring extending across said split end portions and being slidable along a portion of the inner surface of said outer ring as said outer ring is advanced between the closed and open positions.

3. ln a tape reel cartridge according to claim I, said outer ring being of a generally channel-shaped configuration having inwardly directed sidewalls overlapping the outsides of said reel flanges, said inner ring secured to the inner surface of said outer ring is spaced relation between said sidewalls so as to enter the space between said spaced apart flanges in the closed position of said reel cover assembly, and resilient pads disposed in recesses provided at spaced circumferential intervals along the inner surface of said outer ring laterally between said sidewalls and said inner ring, said pads being engageable with the outer peripheral edges of said reel flanger when said reel cover assembly is in the closed position.

4. In a tape reel cartridge according to claim 3, said inner ring having laterally extending tabs overlying opposite ends of each of said resilient pads to retain said pads within said recesses.

5. In a tape reel cartridge according to claim 1, said female section including at least one rib portion on each side of said air chamber provided with a lateral groove therein, and said male section including at least one rib on each side of the air chamber provided with a laterally projecting snap, each said snap being aligned for movement into one of said lateral grooves in offset relation to the centerline of said groove.

6. In a tape reel cartridge according to claim 1, said female section being provided with inner and outer pairs of spaced ribs on opposite sides of the air chamber, one rib of each pair being provided with a lateral groove therein, and said male section including inner and outer pairs of ribs on opposite sides of said air chamber including inner rib pairs insertable in the space formed between the inner end outer ribs of each pair in said female section and the outer rib pairs of said female section entering the space formed between the inner and outer of each pair on said male section, one of said inner and outer rib pairs of said male section provided with a lateral snap interengaging with a lateral groove on one of said inner and outer rib pairs on said female section.

7. In a tape reel cartridge according to claim 6, the inner rib pairs of said male section being offset with respect to the inner rib pairs of said female section to effect an interference fit therebetween, and the lateral snap and lateral groove being formed along the interface between the outer rib pairs of said male and female sections.

8. In a tape reel cartridge according to claim 7, the outer rib pairs of said female section having tapered extremities with an enclosed air space formed between said outer rib pairs of said female section and the inner and outer rib pairs of said male section.

9. in a protective reel cover assembly for a tape supply reel in which the cover assembly includes an annular, split closure ring enclosing the outer periphery of the tape supply reel and said closure ring being provided with split end portions to permit limited expansion of said ring, a hinge mechanism for said reel cover assembly comprising,

a pivot member on each of said split end portions, said pivot members being disposed in aligned, facing relation to one another, and

a unitary hinge member including a lever portion pivotal on one of said pivot members, a follower portion on the other of said pivot members, and a link member having hinge sections at opposite ends thereof integrally joining said link member to each of said lever and follower portions, said reel cover assembly undergoing limited expansion and retraction in response to pivotal movement of said lever portion.

10. lo a protective reel cover assembly according to claim 9, said pivot members being in the form of pivot posts disposed on the outer surface of said closure ring, said lever portion being pivotal at one end to said one pivot post and movable from a position extending along the external surface of said closure ring with said link member substantially overlying said lever portion to a substantially inverted position overlying said link member in advancing said reel cover assembly from a closed, retracted position to an open, expanded position.

11. In a protective reel cover assembly according to claim 10, said follower portion having a hinged section in spaced relation to said other pivot post, said follower portion being normally disposed to lie along the external surface of said closure ring when said lever portion is in its closed position with its hinged section located between said pivot posts, and the hinged section of said follower portion being pivotal about said other pivot post in a direction away from said one pivot post said said lever portion is moved toward to the open position.

12. In a protective reel cover assembly according to claim 11, said follower portion being further pivotal independently of said lever portion toward its initial disposition when said lever portion is retained in the open position to cause further expansion of said closure ring.

13. in a protective reel cover assembly according to claim 9, said lever portion being of generally open rectangular configuration and having sidewalls pivoted at one end on said one pivot post and side wings defining forward lateral extensions of said sidewalls underlying and supporting the sides of said link portion when said lever portion is in its closed position.

14. in a protective reel cover assembly according to claim 13, the hinged section formed between said link portion and lever portion being located on one side of said one pivot post opposite the other of said pivot posts when said lever portion is in its closed position.

15. ln a protective reel cover assembly according to claim 14, the hinged section on said follower portion being pivotal about a shorter radius than the hinged section of said lever portion. 

1. In a tape reel cartridge having a tape supplY reel provided with spaced apart flanges and the reel adapted to be mounted for rotation on a tape deck and the like, a protective cover assembly for said tape supply reel comprising an outer, expansible split ring member disposed in surrounding relation to the outer peripheral edges of the flanges on said tape supply reel and enclosing the space between said flanges, said outer expansible ring provided with an exit passage for the tape on said reel and terminating in split end portions, an inner split ring member, secured to the inside of said outer ring, said inner and outer ring members having complementary, circumferentially extending male and female portions snap-fit together to form a common circumferentially extending air chamber between said inner and outer ring members for the controlled delivery of air through spaced air exit openings in said inner ring, and a hinge mechanism including a unitary hinge member pivotally connected to said split end portions and extending therebetween, said hinge member being movable between a closed position retaining said split end portions in abutting relation to one another with said reel cover assembly disposed in closely surrounding relation to said tape supply reel and an open position in which said hinge member exerts a spreading force separating said split end portions and causing said reel cover assembly to undergo limited expansion to a position loosely surrounding said tape reel.
 2. In a tape reel cartridge according to claim 1, said inner ring including a circumferential continuation of the air chamber formed between said inner and outer rings, the continuation of said inner ring extending across said split end portions and being slidable along a portion of the inner surface of said outer ring as said outer ring is advanced between the closed and open positions.
 3. In a tape reel cartridge according to claim 1, said outer ring being of a generally channel-shaped configuration having inwardly directed sidewalls overlapping the outsides of said reel flanges, said inner ring secured to the inner surface of said outer ring is spaced relation between said sidewalls so as to enter the space between said spaced apart flanges in the closed position of said reel cover assembly, and resilient pads disposed in recesses provided at spaced circumferential intervals along the inner surface of said outer ring laterally between said sidewalls and said inner ring, said pads being engageable with the outer peripheral edges of said reel flanger when said reel cover assembly is in the closed position.
 4. In a tape reel cartridge according to claim 3, said inner ring having laterally extending tabs overlying opposite ends of each of said resilient pads to retain said pads within said recesses.
 5. In a tape reel cartridge according to claim 1, said female section including at least one rib portion on each side of said air chamber provided with a lateral groove therein, and said male section including at least one rib on each side of the air chamber provided with a laterally projecting snap, each said snap being aligned for movement into one of said lateral grooves in offset relation to the centerline of said groove.
 6. In a tape reel cartridge according to claim 1, said female section being provided with inner and outer pairs of spaced ribs on opposite sides of the air chamber, one rib of each pair being provided with a lateral groove therein, and said male section including inner and outer pairs of ribs on opposite sides of said air chamber including inner rib pairs insertable in the space formed between the inner end outer ribs of each pair in said female section and the outer rib pairs of said female section entering the space formed between the inner and outer of each pair on said male section, one of said inner and outer rib pairs of said male section provided with a lateral snap interengaging with a lateral groove on one of said inner and outer rib pairs on said female section.
 7. In a tape reel cartridge accorDing to claim 6, the inner rib pairs of said male section being offset with respect to the inner rib pairs of said female section to effect an interference fit therebetween, and the lateral snap and lateral groove being formed along the interface between the outer rib pairs of said male and female sections.
 8. In a tape reel cartridge according to claim 7, the outer rib pairs of said female section having tapered extremities with an enclosed air space formed between said outer rib pairs of said female section and the inner and outer rib pairs of said male section.
 9. In a protective reel cover assembly for a tape supply reel in which the cover assembly includes an annular, split closure ring enclosing the outer periphery of the tape supply reel and said closure ring being provided with split end portions to permit limited expansion of said ring, a hinge mechanism for said reel cover assembly comprising, a pivot member on each of said split end portions, said pivot members being disposed in aligned, facing relation to one another, and a unitary hinge member including a lever portion pivotal on one of said pivot members, a follower portion on the other of said pivot members, and a link member having hinge sections at opposite ends thereof integrally joining said link member to each of said lever and follower portions, said reel cover assembly undergoing limited expansion and retraction in response to pivotal movement of said lever portion.
 10. In a protective reel cover assembly according to claim 9, said pivot members being in the form of pivot posts disposed on the outer surface of said closure ring, said lever portion being pivotal at one end to said one pivot post and movable from a position extending along the external surface of said closure ring with said link member substantially overlying said lever portion to a substantially inverted position overlying said link member in advancing said reel cover assembly from a closed, retracted position to an open, expanded position.
 11. In a protective reel cover assembly according to claim 10, said follower portion having a hinged section in spaced relation to said other pivot post, said follower portion being normally disposed to lie along the external surface of said closure ring when said lever portion is in its closed position with its hinged section located between said pivot posts, and the hinged section of said follower portion being pivotal about said other pivot post in a direction away from said one pivot post said said lever portion is moved toward to the open position.
 12. In a protective reel cover assembly according to claim 11, said follower portion being further pivotal independently of said lever portion toward its initial disposition when said lever portion is retained in the open position to cause further expansion of said closure ring.
 13. In a protective reel cover assembly according to claim 9, said lever portion being of generally open rectangular configuration and having sidewalls pivoted at one end on said one pivot post and side wings defining forward lateral extensions of said sidewalls underlying and supporting the sides of said link portion when said lever portion is in its closed position.
 14. In a protective reel cover assembly according to claim 13, the hinged section formed between said link portion and lever portion being located on one side of said one pivot post opposite the other of said pivot posts when said lever portion is in its closed position.
 15. In a protective reel cover assembly according to claim 14, the hinged section on said follower portion being pivotal about a shorter radius than the hinged section of said lever portion. 